From malls to expo halls

SM Prime Holdings has invested P1.7 billion to turn SM Mall of Asia (MoA) into a global center of trade and commerce.

The infusion will be used to build a large-scale trade and exhibition venue within the MoA complex, expanding the company’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) portfolio.

The SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions (SMXCITE) will open by the first quarter of 2027.

It will add over 18,000 square meters of leasable trade hall space, doubling the SMX Convention Center Manila’s current footprint.

Peggy Angeles, executive vice president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., said the expansion reflects the Sy group’s confidence in the Philippines’ growing stature in the MICE space.

SMXCITE will consist of two buildings to be constructed simultaneously, each designed to host more than 18,000 guests.

It will be equipped to accommodate international trade shows, product launches, corporate gatherings, and large-scale consumer exhibitions.

The project will bring SM Prime’s total convention space in the MoA Complex to more than 35,000 square meters.

Once completed, the SM Group’s convention portfolio will expand to nearly 60,000 square meters of gross leasable area across eight malls.

These include SMX Aura in Taguig, SMX Bacolod, SMX Davao, SMX Clark, SMX Olongapo, Sky Hall Seaside Cebu, and Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall.

Bigger than POGO

As reports grow about espionage involving a foreign government following the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) scandal, whispers in the halls of power suggest a top telecom player is under the microscope.

This company, helmed by a tycoon with ties to a former bigwig, is reportedly staffed by hundreds of foreign workers from an eastern superpower who’ve overstayed their welcome on tourist visas.

A nosy Tarsee said these folks aren’t just answering phones — they’re in key roles in the telco, raising eyebrows about what’s going on behind the scenes.

The government’s tech watchdogs are sniffing around, with one agency official confirming an operation including immigration authorities to sort out the mess.

It’s not just about visas, though. There’s talk of investigating whether the company’s tech infrastructure is being misused.

The question now being raised is whether this is a mere case of cutting corners or something more sinister.

Another agency tasked with overseeing telecoms is expected to join the fray. Nosy Tarsee said the 400-plus foreign workers might be tied to sensitive tech operations, sparking concerns about national security.

The visa overstay issue might just be the tip of the iceberg — rumors are swirling about lax oversight in the company’s compliance with local labor and immigration laws.